Ethical Question about Tourism

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Chingas

IMO the embargo appears to be a crutch that they are not willing to throw away.

There are likely 3~6 planes a day from Canada alone that could be carrying a plethora of required items. We don't have an embargo, every country from Mexico and South America don't have embargoes.

There is no reason for Cuba to be stuck in the rut it is, except for the fact that it is somehow convenient to them.

Until Cuba gets it sh#t together I won't go back, there is much better value for your dollar other places, starting with Mexico.

I'd take Cuba over Mexico every time. I think you mixed up 'cheap' with 'value.'

[Oil Stain]

Originally Posted by Locke

I'd take Cuba over Mexico every time. I think you mixed up 'cheap' with 'value.'

I'm not sure what "value" you can get in Cuba that you can't get somewhere else in the world for less money, and higher quality.

Granted I only visited Varadero, Havana, Pinar del Rio, Vinales, and Maria la Gorda, but besides the curious appeal of seeing a country "frozen in time", there didn't seem to be anything else that makes Cuba stand out.

Havana is home to one of the highest concentrations of professional bloodsuckers out of anywhere I have traveled to. You can't walk three feet without being accosted by someone trying to get a handout.

While you do run into some nice people, I don't think the ratio there is any higher then any other location. I've certainly didn't experience the level of generosity that I received from Mexican people while travelling there, and being invited into homes numerous times. A fair number of the hitch hikers I picked up in Cuba didn't offer a thank you.

I enjoyed my time there, I just don't see what the big deal is. When people rave about Cuba as being somewhere that is more special then other places, I'm just not sure what they experienced that I missed.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Locke

I'd take Cuba over Mexico every time. I think you mixed up 'cheap' with 'value.'

I think it depends on what part of Mexico. Cancun and the Mayan Rivieria are terrible. They're over priced and way too commercial. The west coast of Mexico is much better. I went to La Crucecita and was never barraged with people trying to take my money like I was in Cancun. I'd sooner just go to Miami.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I think it depends on what part of Mexico. Cancun and the Mayan Rivieria are terrible. They're over priced and way too commercial. The west coast of Mexico is much better. I went to La Crucecita and was never barraged with people trying to take my money like I was in Cancun. I'd sooner just go to Miami.

Found the same thing is Manzanillo, although that was late 90's.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I think it depends on what part of Mexico. Cancun and the Mayan Rivieria are terrible. They're over priced and way too commercial. The west coast of Mexico is much better. I went to La Crucecita and was never barraged with people trying to take my money like I was in Cancun. I'd sooner just go to Miami.

If you're honestly disappointed with the cultural experience in Cancun, that's on you. Cancun has been what it is for ages. It's not like you have to do that much due dilligence to figure this out.

I go there to drink and act like an idiot. If I wanted culture, I'd pick any number of smaller villages to the South or West.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by rubecube

If you're honestly disappointed with the cultural experience in Cancun, that's on you. Cancun has been what it is for ages. It's not like you have to do that much due dilligence to figure this out.

I go there to drink and act like an idiot. If I wanted culture, I'd pick any number of smaller villages to the South or West.

I went there for a wedding, so I didn't pick it as a destination.

[Devils'Advocate]

To the OP:
Kudos for taking the time to think about doing what's right. Most have no qualms about ignoring the plight of others if it means satisfying their own needs.

Being a human rights activist for many years, I've seen many differing opinions on whether we should be withdrawing economic ties with countries that are undemocratic and abuse human rights. And I understand both points of view. Boycotts mean less economic growth, which hurts those at the top but also hurts those at the bottom just as much.

I like what someone wrote earlier: Go to Cuba. Spend your money in such a way that it goes to the local people rather than to the government. Many, many people work under-the-table making crafts and souviners. Obviously the all-inclusive resorts would be the worst way to go to this end as the government takes much of this money.

From:
http://www.bigtravelweb.com/cuba.htm

My advice if you do travel to Cuba, would be to do so responsibly - and one of the most responsible ways to visit Cuba is to stay in Casa Particulares on your travels - these are family homes that have been converted to accommodate tourists. By booking such Casa Particulares your money is not going straight into the hands of an oppressive regime that undoubtdely needs to be changed. By booking an all inclusive package holiday, you're invariably contributing to the governments coffers. Travel responsibly - leave your money with the locals, not the local regime.

[Flamenspiel]

I agree with this, if you are comfortable with Cuba as a destination and you feel ethical about it, then go.

I suppose everyone has their list of countries that they won't go to, and i have mine. Cuba is not on my list but if go to that area(latitude) again, i have friends in Costa Rica and would like to go there. Other then the fact that i like cuban cigars, it simply does not stand out for me as a destination.

[Flame Of Liberty]

Of course you go, amigo! How else would support the revolución and show the finger to american imperialism? By sitting and home in your Made in China Che tee posting about how awesome the Castro regime's been? I don't think so!